October 15 Meeting Report

from Judy Schlichting and Katie Williams

Jane Graupman, Executive Director of The International Institute of Minnesota, spoke with MIAC at Creekside United Church of Christ about the institute's 106-year history and its current programs. Jane has worked there for 36 of those years. The Institute serves as a key organization in the community. Half of the board of directors are new Americans. The organization carefully tracks data on services and classes to ensure quality and to share information with funders and clients.

All classes are free. Many volunteers assist with language classes, job training, and higher education. There is a focus on healthcare and medical careers, as well as hospitality and entrepreneurship. Seventy nurses have completed their 2- and 4-year nursing education programs, and about 120 nursing assistants are trained each year.

Like many other organizations, the institute has recently lost a significant amount of funding ($3.5 million). The International Institute and Arrive Ministries are the two remaining resettlement agencies in Minnesota (out of five). Despite this, their successes are notable. Their students score in the 90th percentile on the citizenship test, and on state certification exams, their learners outperform other groups.

Upcoming MIAC Events

Please feel free to join us at Creekside if you'd like. We meet from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m.

October 30: Amy Alvarez Cruz of Jewish Community Action will speak on community organizing. Michele Garnett McKenzie, Executive Director of The Advocates for Human Rights, will also join, postponed from October 15.

November 10: MIAC will gather for a potluck and singing practice to prepare for peaceful presence at rallies.